Matsuri in Hawaii

Drums, dance pageantry and parades are all components of this weekend's 27th annual Pan-Pacific Festival -- Matsuri in Hawaii. Thousands of musicians, artists and dancers from Pacific Rim countries will stage a weekend showcase of Pan-Pacific entertainment, music, traditions and food from Friday through Sunday.

A hoolaulea kicks off events, closing Kalakaua Avenue for a street party featuring live entertainment, craft booths and an outdoor international marketplace of ethnic food.

"Na Hana No'eau o Ka Pakipika/Artistic Endeavors of the Pacific" at Kapiolani Park is a joint event, with the King Kamehameha Celebration showcasing a mix of cultural Japanese and Hawaii food, crafts and entertainment.

Weekend festivities will also include a performing arts showcase of cultural demonstrations from the Pan-Pacific region, a hula festival, a ground golf exhibition and evening ballroom dancing. Visit pan-pacific-festival.com detailed schedules or to volunteer. Most events are free.

FILE PHOTO
Thousands of musicians, artists and dancers from Pacific Rim countries will take part in the weekend-long Pan-Pacific Festival. Regular folk can participate in a marathon Sunday morning.